The methods used to extract coal-seam gas are potentially very destructive to the environment, water quality and human health.

Greens MP David Shoebridge addressed the rally calling for a moratorium on this type of gas exploration and extraction until it is proven safe. He also said gas extraction should not happen under prime agricultural land, in important aquifers or under dense residential suburbs. This is a sensible approach implementing the precautionary principle.

Liverpool Plains farmer, Tim Duddy

Liverpool Plains farmer, Tim Duddy of the Caroona Coal Action group, who are trying to save their black soil farms from coal mining and gas drilling by BHP and China government owned miner Shenhua also addressed the rally, warning residents that it would be a tough fight to stop the powerful petrochemical industry. Famers and environmentalists are joining forces to oppose coal-seam gas mining with the ‘Lock the Gate‘ campaign.

Greens Councillor from City of Sydney said that although the city wanted to build cogeneration plants to reduce greenhouse emissions, they should not be powered by natural gas extracted in ways that are damaging to the environment. He said eventually, City of Sydney wished to power its cogeneration plants through using gas extracted from the city’s waste.

Mayor of Marrickville, Fiona Byrne was in the crowd and was asked to say a few words. She said that local residents must be informed and properly consulted before any type of drilling occurs and that she would raise the issue at the pending state election.

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The Marrickville and Petersham-Newtown Greens are the local groups for members of The Greens political party living in the Sydney suburbs of Dulwich Hill, Enmore, Lewisham, Marrickville, Newtown, Petersham, St Peters, Stanmore, Sydenham and Tempe.

All electoral comment on this site authorised by Richard Morrell 19 Eve Street Erskinville NSW